Polyaxial cross connector

ABSTRACT

A device and method for coupling first and second elongate spinal fixation elements. The device includes first and second connector members, for receiving first and second elongate spinal fixation elements respectively. One or both connector members may include an engagement portion configured and dimensioned to provisionally receive an elongate fixation element with an interference fit. First and second connector members are coupled to a translation member, the translation member operatively associated with at least one connector member to provide for polyaxial movement. At least one locking member is provided to secure a received elongate spinal fixation element in the engagement portion and lock polyaxial movement of the at least one connector member. The translation member may have first and second portions which move relative to each other with translation movement, and a third locking member to lock the translation movement.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/669,527, filed on Nov. 6, 2012, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to connectors for fixation elements, includinginterconnecting at least two spinal fixation rods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bones and bony structures are susceptible to a variety of weaknessesthat can affect their ability to provide support and structure.Weaknesses and deformities in bony structures have numerous potentialcauses, including degenerative diseases, tumors, fractures, anddislocations. Advances in medicine and engineering have provided healthcare practitioners with a number of devices and techniques foralleviating or curing those weaknesses.

With respect to the spinal column, additional support may be necessaryto address such weaknesses and deformities. Surgical techniques forstabilizing the spinal column, such as spinal fusion, have beendeveloped to eliminate pain and other detrimental effects associatedwith spinal column defects. The placement of one or more screws, rods,plates, or cages may be required in association with some spinalstabilization techniques.

The strength and stability of a dual rod, plate, or other elongatemember assembly can be increased by coupling the two rods with a crossconnector which extends substantially horizontal to the longitudinalaxes of the rods across the spine. Due to a wide variety of factors, thetwo rods are rarely geometrically aligned in clinical situations. Across connector with at least some adjustability can be provided toaccommodate for variations from geometrical alignment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a device for coupling first and second elongatespinal fixation elements. The device includes a first connector memberhaving proximal and distal portions, the distal portion including anengagement portion configured and dimensioned to provisionally receivethe first elongate spinal fixation element with an interference fit; atranslation member having proximal and distal portions the proximalportion of the first connector member operatively associated with theproximal portion of the translation member to provide polyaxial movementof the first connector member relative to the translation member; asecond connector member having proximal and distal portions, the distalportion configured and dimensioned to receive the second elongate spinalfixation element and the proximal portion coupled to the translationmember; and a first locking member to secure the first elongate spinalfixation element in the engagement portion of the first connector memberand to lock the polyaxial movement, fixing the first connector memberrelative to the first translation member.

In additional embodiments in accordance with the disclosure, theproximal portion of the first connector member includes a sphere and thedistal portion of the translation member includes a bore for receivingthe sphere to provide the polyaxial movement. A surface of the bore anda surface of the sphere may further include grooves and the other of thesurface of the bore and the surface of the sphere includes ridges.

Another embodiment of the device features the engagement portion of thefirst connector including proximal and distal arms, at least one of theproximal and distal arms resiliently flexing open to accept the firstelongate spinal fixation element and flexing back to provisionallyreceive the first elongate spinal fixation element with the interferencefit. The first connector member may also include a slit extendingbetween the proximal portion of the first connector member to the distalportion of the first connector member, the slit allowing the resilientflexing of the at least one of the proximal and distal arms of theengagement portion of the first connector. The first locking member mayadditionally include a first set screw and a hole on the first connectormember and operatively associated with the slit such that threading ofthe first set screw into the hole moves the proximal and distal armsrelative to one another to secure the first elongate spinal fixationelement in the engagement portion of the first connector member.Furthermore, the slit may divide the sphere into first and secondportions and wherein threading of the first set screw into the holesplays the first and second portions of the sphere to lock the polyaxialmovement, fixing the first connector member relative to the translationmember. The translation member may additionally include first and secondtranslation elements, the first translation element including theproximal portion of the translation member and the second translationelement including the distal portion of the translation member; andwherein the first and second translation elements are moveablerelatively to each other to adjust a distance between the first andsecond connector members. In some embodiments the first and secondtranslation elements move relative to each other with translationmovement, substantially free of rotation. The first and secondtranslation elements may be coupled with a dove-tail connection. Thefirst and second translation elements may further move relative to eachother along an arced path.

In another embodiment in accordance with the disclosure, a device forcoupling first and second elongate spinal fixation elements includes afirst connector member having proximal and distal portions, the distalportion including an engagement portion configured and dimensioned toprovisionally receive the first elongate spinal fixation element with aninterference fit; a second connector member having proximal and distalportions, the distal portion including an engagement portion configuredand dimensioned to provisionally receive the second elongate spinalfixation element with an interference fit; a translation member havingfirst and second portions, the proximal portion of the first connectormember operatively associated with the first portion of the translationmember to provide polyaxial movement of the first connector memberrelative to the translation member, the proximal portion of the secondconnector member operatively associated with the second portion of thetranslation member to provide polyaxial movement of the second connectormember relative to the translation member; a first locking member tosecure the first elongate spinal fixation element in the engagementportion of the first connector member and to lock the polyaxialmovement, fixing the first connector member relative to the firsttranslation member; and a second locking member to secure the secondelongate spinal fixation element in the engagement portion of the secondconnector member and to lock the polyaxial movement, fixing the firstconnector member relative to the first translation member.

In embodiments of the device including first and second connectors, theproximal portions of the first and second connector members may includea sphere and the proximal and distal portions of the translation memberinclude a bore for receiving the sphere to provide the respectivepolyaxial movement. The engagement portions of the first and secondconnectors may further include proximal and distal arms, at least one ofthe proximal and distal arms resiliently flexing open to accept therespective first or second elongate spinal fixation element and flexingback to provisionally receive the respective first or second elongatespinal fixation element with the interference fit. Additionally, thefirst and second connector members may include a slit extending betweenthe proximal portion of the first connector member to the distal portionof the first connector member, the slit allowing the resilient flexingof the at least one of the proximal and distal arms of the engagementportion of the first and second connectors. The first and second lockingmembers may additionally include a set screw and a hole on therespective first or second connector member and operatively associatedwith the slit such that threading of the set screw into the hole movesthe proximal and distal arms relative to one another to secure therespective first or second elongate spinal fixation element in theengagement portion of the respective first or second connector member.

Further provided for, in accordance with the disclosure, is a method forinterconnecting first and second elongate spinal fixation elements, themethod including: provisionally fitting the first elongate spinalfixation element into an engagement portion of a first connector with aninterference fit, the first connector operatively associated with atranslation member to provide polyaxial movement of the first connectormember relative to the translation member; attaching the second elongatespinal fixation element to a second connector, the second connectorcoupled to the translation member; and locking a locking member providedon the first connector thereby securing the first elongate spinalfixation element in the engagement portion of the first connector memberand locking the polyaxial movement in order to fix the first connectormember relative to the first translation member. In some embodiments ofthe device, the locking member includes a first set screw and a hole onthe first connector member, and the locking step of the method forinterconnecting first and second elongate spinal fixation elementsfurther includes threading the first set screw thereby simultaneouslysecuring the first elongate spinal fixation element and locking thepolyaxial movement. It is further contemplated within the disclosurethat the interconnecting step of the method may be performed within aposterior spinal fusion construct.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention, and theattendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readilyunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the cross connector device inaccordance with the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a second embodiment of a cross connectordevice;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the connector member of the device ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the connector member of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the translation member of the deviceof FIG. 1 illustrating a dove-tail connection;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the translation member of the device ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 7A is a side view of the an open offset connector member inaccordance with the disclosure;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the open offset connector member ofFIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is an exploded view of the locking assembly of the open offsetconnector member of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7D is an assembled view of the locking assembly of the open offsetconnector member of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a side view of a closed offset connector member in accordancewith the disclosure;

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the closed offset connector memberof FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C is an exploded view of the locking assembly of the closed offsetconnector member of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8D is an assembled view of the locking assembly of the closedoffset connector member of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A is a side perspective view of a side-loading tulip element inaccordance with the disclosure;

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the side-loading tulip element ofFIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C is an exploded view of the locking assembly of the side-loadingtulip element of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9D is an assembled view of the locking assembly of the side-loadingtulip element of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10A is a side perspective view of a closed head tulip element inaccordance with the disclosure;

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the closed-head tulip element ofFIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A is a side perspective view of a headed rod member in accordancewith the disclosure;

FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the headed rod member of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11C is an exploded view of the locking assembly of the headed rodmember of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11D is an assembled view of the locking assembly of the headed rodmember of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12A is a side perspective view of a one-level connector inaccordance with the disclosure;

FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the one level connector of FIG.11A;

FIG. 12C is an exploded view of the locking assembly of the one levelconnector of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 12D is an assembled view of the locking assembly of the one levelconnector of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 13A is a top view of a fixation plate in accordance with thedisclosure; and

FIG. 13B is a side view of the fixation plate of FIG. 13A

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As required, detailed embodiments are disclosed herein; however, it isto be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples andthat the systems and methods described below can be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to variously employ the present subject matter in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure and function. Further, the terms andphrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather, toprovide an understandable description of the concepts.

The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more thanone. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more thantwo. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a secondor more. The terms “including” and “having,” as used herein, are definedas comprising (i.e., open language).

Referring now to FIG. 1, a device 100 of the disclosure is illustratedprior to receiving first and second spinal fixation elements (notillustrated). Device 100 includes first and second connector members200A, 200B designed to receive a fixation element, and a translationmember 300 cross-connecting or transconnecting first connector member200A with second connector member 200B. In the embodiment illustrated,first connector member 200A is substantially similar to second connectormember 200B, and connector members 200A, 200B are associated withopposing ends of translation member 300. Although it is advantageous tohave dual connector members 200A, 200B, it should be understood that thedisclosure contemplates a single connector member 200A for receiving thefirst fixation element while another connector, such as the alternativeconnectors disclosed herein or other connectors known or to bedeveloped, connected to translation member 300 for receiving the secondfixation element. Accordingly, the disclosure contemplates device 100including any combination of connector members 200.

The spinal fixation elements to be received may include rods, plates, orother elongate members to be utilized in a spinal fixation construct,such as a posterior fusion procedure, although a variety of known or tobe developed spinal fixation elements are contemplated within thedisclosure. A variety of elongate member sizes are contemplated,according to the construct or situation of the surgical procedure to beperformed. Examples of rod or member sizes contemplated include, but arenot limited to, diameters of 4.75 mm, 5.5 mm, 6.35 mm, and other rods ormembers of similar sizes known or to be discovered for use in spinalfixation procedures.

Additionally referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, connector members 200A, 200Bhave a proximal portion 202, generally referring to the portion ofconnector member 200A, 200B in proximity to the translation member 300,and a distal portion 204, generally referring to the portion of theconnector member 200A, 200B opposite from translation member 300. Anengagement portion 206 is provided on distal portion 204 for receiving afixation element. Proximal portion 202 is operatively associated withtranslation member 300 to permit polyaxial movement, includingrotational movement, of connector member 200A, 200B with respect totranslation member 300. Additionally provided on connector member 200A,200B is a locking member 210, illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 as a setscrew, operative to secure a received fixation element in engagementportion 206 while also fixing movement of connector member 200A, 200Bwith respect to translation member 300, i.e. locking the polyaxialmovement.

Locking member 210, as illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4,includes a locking screw 212 received in a threaded hole or bore 214provided on connector member 200A, 200B. As a result of a threading orrotating, from an applied torsional force on a tool receiving uppersurface of screw 212, of locking screw 212 within hole 214, screw 212advances into hole 214 and into or towards a gap or slit 220 whichextends between distal and proximal portion 202, 204. Accordingly, bydisplacing screw 212 into gap 220, the gap is splayed at both the distaland proximal portions 202, 204, resulting in simultaneously securing afixation element received within engagement portion 206 as well asfixing or locking the polyaxial and rotational movement of the connectormember 200A, 200B with respect to translation member 300. The splayingmay be assisted by a gap wedge 222 positioned between hole 214 and gap220 so as to exert a splaying force on gap 220 as screw 212 advancesinto hole 214 and presses against wedge 222.

An elongate fixation member is provisionally securable in engagementportion 206 through a snap-fit or an interference connection. Engagementportion 206 includes proximal and distal arms 208A, 208B for receivingan elongate fixation member. As an elongate fixation member isintroduced into engagement portion 206, at least one of arms 208A, 208Bresiliently flex open to accept the elongate fixation element and flexback to provisionally receive the fixation element with an interferencefit. The interference fit may be tightened, securing the received spinalfixation element, by splaying the distal portion of gap 220. Thesplaying or separating of the distal portion of gap 220 widens the gapthereby moving arms 208A, 208B with respect to one another resulting ina clamping motion on a received fixation member.

Extending into a bore 310 of translation member 300 is a sphere 230 forproviding polyaxial movement of connection member 200A, 200B withrespect to translation member 300. The polyaxial movement isadvantageous in aiding a surgeon, or other technician, installing thedevice to move, rotate, or adjust device 100 to connect second connectormember 200B with the second elongate member while the first elongatemember is provisionally received within engagement portion 206 of firstconnector member 200A. Once the second elongate member is connected toor secured within second connector member 200B, the polyaxial movementof first connector 200A may be fixed by locking sphere 230 within bore310. In an embodiment of the disclosure, sphere 230 is composed of upperand lower surfaces 232, 234, separated by the proximal portion of gap220. Locking of sphere 230 within bore 310 may accordingly occur bysplaying upper and lower surfaces 232, 234 thereby forcing surfaces 232,234 against an inner wall or surface 312 of bore 310 in order tofrictionally secure sphere 230 from moving or rotating within bore 310.In some embodiments, sphere 230 will advantageously include grooves orridges 236 provided on surfaces 232, 234 and mateable with correspondinggrooves or ridges 314 provided on inner surface 312.

Splaying of both the distal and proximal portions of gap 220advantageously result from turning or rotating locking screw 212. Asscrew 212 is rotated, distal and proximal portions of gap 220 are bothsplayed thereby securing the received elongate fixation member inengagement portion 206 as well as thereby fixing connector member 200A,200B from polyaxial movement with respect to translation member 300.This dual locking mechanism is advantageous for quickly and efficientlysecuring device 100 during a surgical procedure.

In reference now to FIGS. 5 and 6, an embodiment of translation member300 includes first and second translation elements 320, 330. Firsttranslation element 320 is connectable with first connector member 200Aand second translation element 330 is connectable with second connectormember 200B. First and second translation elements 320, 330 are movableor slidable relative to one another to adjust a distance between firstand second connector members 200A, 200B. This translation movementadjusting the distance between first and second connector members 200A,200B along with polyaxial movement of connector members 200A, 200B withrespect to translation member 300, provides for interconnecting firstand second fixation elements. In one embodiment, first and secondtranslation elements 320, 330 move relative to one another along anarced path. In FIG. 2, an additional embodiment is illustrated depictingsecond translation element 330 slidable within first translation element320, and fixable by a third locking screw or element 340.

A locking element 340 is provided to couple first and second translationelements 320, 330 with respect to each other, thereby fixing first andsecond translation elements 320, 330 from moving with respect to eachother and securing first and second connector elements 200A, 200B at adistance from each other. In an exemplary embodiment, locking element340 couples first and second translation elements 320, 330 in a dovetailconnection. A dovetail connection, as shown in the illustratedembodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6, provides a strong yet flexible geometry,arcing over a spinal column situated between first and second connectionmembers 200A, 200B. With a dovetail connection, translation, with littleor no rotation between translation elements 320, 330 is provided. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, first element 320 may operate tointernally receive second element 330, both elements 320, 330 slidableand rotatable with respect to each other thereby establishing a distancebetween first and second connector members 200A, 200B.

It is contemplated within the disclosure that device 100 can be utilizedas a cross-connector option for a spinal stabilization system, forexample interconnecting first and second spinal fixation rods within aposterior spinal fusion construct. Device 100, in addition to thepreviously disclosed connector options as well as the additionalconnector options described herein, are components of a modular systemwhich allows for screw tulip assembly to be attached to the screw headin-situ, following operations including, but not limited to:intervertebral operations, decortication, fusion bed preparation, etc.In reference now to FIGS. 7-13, additional embodiments of connectoroptions which may be utilized in a spinal stabilization system will nowbe described.

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate an open offset connector 400A, in accordance withthe disclosure, which includes an engagement portion 410A for receivinga fixation element, a second locking set screw 420A with lockingassembly 430A, and a second locking set screw 440A for securing thereceived fixation element. Similar to connector members 200A, 200B, theengagement portion may be advantageously received in a preliminarysnap-fit or interference connection at engagement portion 410A. Secondlocking set screw 440A is provided to lock or clamp a received fixationelement within engagement portion 410A as screw 440A is rotated oradvanced into connector 400A. Open offset connector 400A may be offeredin both modular and preassembled configurations allowing for anextremely low profile iliac fixation point, which is particularlyadvantageous for surgical procedures performed on small staturepatients.

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate a closed offset connector 400B, in accordancewith the disclosure, which includes engagement portion 410B, a firstlocking set screw 420A with locking assembly 430, and a second lockingset screw 440B for securing the received fixation element. Unlikeengagement portion 410A, engagement portion 410B is closed to fullyenclose a received spinal fixation element. In the embodiment disclosed,second locking set screw 420B is similar to second locking set screw420A, and locking assembly 430B is similar to locking assembly 430A,however it should be appreciated that different locking assembliesand/or set screws for establishing bone fixation, such as iliac fixationpoints, may be utilized in accordance with the disclosure. Closed offsetconnector 400B may also be offered in both modular and preassembledconfigurations allowing for extremely low profile fixation points.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9D and FIGS. 10A-10D illustrating embodimentsof tulip elements 500A, 500B which may be utilized as part of astabilization system, in accordance with the disclosure. Side-loadingtulip element 500A, includes a tulip 510A, locking set screw 520A, and alocking assembly 530A. Closed head tulip element 500B includes a tulip510B, locking set screw 520B, and a locking assembly 530B associatedwith locking screw 520B. Tulip elements 500A, 500B may be offered inboth modular and preassembled configuration and allow for a secure lowprofile fixation rod and bone screw or fastener connection point, whichis particularly useful for iliac fixation in a spinal fixationprocedure.

FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate a headed rod or implant 600 which may beutilized as part of a stabilization system, in accordance with thedisclosure. Implant 600 includes a connector element or rod 610, lockingset screw 620, and a locking assembly 630 associated with locking setscrew 620. Headed rod 600 may be offered in both modular andpreassembled configurations and allows for extremely low profilefixation points, for example in sacral fixation points, which is usefulfor small statute patients.

FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate a one level connector 700 which may be utilizedas part of a stabilization system, in accordance with the disclosure.One-level connector includes first and second locking set screws 710A,710B and first and second locking assemblies 720A, 720B associated withlocking set screws 710A, 710B. One level connector 700 may be offered inboth modular and preassembled configurations and allows for extremelylow profile fixation points, for example in sacral fixation points,which is useful for small statute patients.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a fixation plate or implant 800 which maybe utilized as part of a stabilization system, including for examplesacral fixation, in accordance with the disclosure. Fixation plate 800advantageously accommodates dual-point fixation by receiving a first rodor fixation element in a first aperture 810A, and a second rod orfixation element in a second aperture 810B, thereby allowing in-situattachment of any modular component as a part of a stabilization system.Provided on a first end of plate 800 is a protruding element 820, whichin some embodiments is threaded on an exterior surface in order to matewith another element and/or to improve the grip of a technicianattaching the plate as a component of a stabilization system. Providedon a surface of the plate opposite protruding element or knob 820 is apointed element or spike 830. The one-piece design, as shown in theillustrated embodiment of plate 800, is beneficial for bothmanufacturing and ease of attachment as a component of a stabilizationsystem. The dual-point fixation provided by plate 800 has shown to atleast 25% stronger than traditional constructs used in similar sacralfixation elements.

All references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference intheir entirety. There are many different features to the presentinvention and it is contemplated that these features may be usedtogether or separately. Unless mention was made above to the contrary,it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not toscale. Thus, the invention should not be limited to any particularcombination of features or to a particular application of the invention.Further, it should be understood that variations and modificationswithin the spirit and scope of the invention might occur to thoseskilled in the art to which the invention pertains. Accordingly, allexpedient modifications readily attainable by one versed in the art fromthe disclosure set forth herein that are within the scope and spirit ofthe present invention are to be included as further embodiments of thepresent invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A coupling device comprising: a connector memberincluding an engagement portion configured and dimensioned to receive anelongate spinal fixation element; a translation member having an endoperatively associated with the connector member to provide polyaxialmovement of the connector member relative to the translation member,wherein a portion of the connector member extends through a bore formedin the translation member; and a locking member to secure the elongatespinal fixation element in the engagement portion of the connectormember and to lock the polyaxial movement, thereby fixing the connectormember relative to the translation member, wherein the locking member isreceived through the connector member and not the translation member. 2.The device of claim 1, wherein the portion of the connector member thatextends into the translation member includes a sphere and the bore inthe translation member receives the sphere to provide the polyaxialmovement.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein one of a surface of the boreand a surface of the sphere includes grooves and the other of thesurface of the bore and the surface of the sphere includes ridges. 4.The device of claim 2, wherein the engagement portion of the connectormember includes proximal and distal arms, at least one of the proximaland distal arms resiliently flexing open to accept the elongate spinalfixation element and flexing back to provisionally receive the elongatespinal fixation element with an interference fit.
 5. The device of claim4, wherein the connector member includes a slit extending from aproximal portion of the connector member to a distal portion of theconnector member, the slit allowing the resilient flexing of the atleast one of the proximal and distal arms of the engagement portion ofthe connector.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the locking memberincludes a set screw and a hole on the connector member and operativelyassociated with the slit such that threading of the set screw into thehole moves the proximal and distal arms relative to one another tosecure the elongate spinal fixation element in the engagement portion ofthe connector member.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the slit dividesthe sphere into first and second portions and wherein threading of theset screw into the hole splays the first and second portions of thesphere to lock the polyaxial movement, thereby fixing the connectormember relative to the translation member.
 8. The device of claim 7,wherein the translation member includes first and second translationelements, the first translation element including a proximal portion ofthe translation member and the second translation element including adistal portion of the translation member; and wherein the first andsecond translation elements are moveable relatively to each other. 9.The device of claim 8, wherein the first and second translation elementsmove relative to each other with translation movement, substantiallyfree of rotation.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the first andsecond translation elements are coupled with a dove-tail connection. 11.The device of claim 10, wherein the first and second translationelements move relative to each other along an arced path.
 12. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the elongate spinal fixation element is a rod.
 13. Acoupling device comprising: a connector member including an engagementportion configured and dimensioned to receive an elongate spinalfixation element; a translation member including first and secondtranslation elements moveable relative to one another to adjust adistance therebetween, wherein the translation member has an endoperatively associated with the connector member to provide polyaxialmovement of the connector member relative to the translation member, andwherein a portion of the connector member extends through a bore formedin the translation member; and a locking member to secure the elongatespinal fixation element in the engagement portion of the connectormember and to lock the polyaxial movement, thereby fixing the connectormember relative to the translation member, wherein the locking member isreceived through the connector member and not the translation member.14. The device of claim 13, wherein the connector member includes asphere and the bore in the translation member is configured to receivethe sphere to provide the respective polyaxial movement.
 15. The deviceof claim 13, wherein the engagement portion of the connector memberincludes proximal and distal arms, at least one of the proximal anddistal arms resiliently flexing open to accept the elongate spinalfixation element and flexing back to provisionally receive the elongatespinal fixation element with an interference fit.
 16. The device ofclaim 15, wherein the connector member includes a slit extending betweena proximal portion of the connector member to a distal portion of theconnector member, the slit allowing the resilient flexing of the atleast one of the proximal and distal arms of the engagement portion ofthe connector member.
 17. The device of claim 16, wherein the lockingmember includes a set screw and a hole on the connector member andoperatively associated with the slit such that threading of the setscrew into the hole moves the proximal and distal arms relative to oneanother to secure the elongate spinal fixation element in the engagementportion of the connector member.
 18. A method for affixing a couplingdevice, the method comprising: attaching a coupling device to a spinalfixation element, the coupling device comprising: a connector memberincluding an engagement portion configured and dimensioned toprovisionally receive an elongate spinal fixation element with aninterference fit; a translation member having an end operativelyassociated with the connector member to provide polyaxial movement ofthe connector member relative to the translation member, wherein aportion of the connector member extends through a bore formed in thetranslation member; and a locking member, wherein the locking member isreceived through the connector member and not the translation member;and locking the locking member provided on the connector member therebysecuring the spinal fixation element in the engagement portion of theconnector member and locking the polyaxial movement in order to fix theconnector member relative to the translation member.
 19. The method ofclaim 18, wherein the locking member includes a set screw and a hole onthe connector member, the locking step further comprising threading theset screw thereby simultaneously securing the elongate spinal fixationelement and locking the polyaxial movement.
 20. The method of claim 18,wherein the coupling device is attached to a posterior spinal fusionconstruct.